Advice for getting through this awful semester?!

<p>Hey there,</p>

<p>So, I've sort of become infamous for this, but I've fallen waaaay behind this semester. Normally it's not a big deal because I just bounce back, but I've never taken so many reading/writing/researching intensive courses at the same time, and I'm freaking out. I took on way too much and it's too late to drop, so now I need some help to cross the finish line.</p>

<p>I have 2 research projects and a book analysis thing all running at once. One research project is due in 13 days with hardly any research done, one is due in 24 days with a fair amount done, and I'm about halfway done with the book and need a draft of the analysis done in 8 days.</p>

<p>In addition to that, I fell behind with a read-and-journal type of thing, and I've got 2 days for one assignment and 15 for another (larger) one.</p>

<p>How on earth do I prioritize when everything seems to be going on at once?! I have absolutely NO motivation, and I feel so ashamed of myself that it hurts to even carry on. I feel bad that I've let myself fall this far behind, but I know that I need to get over it.</p>

<p>I would appreciate any practical or general advice for my specific situation! Thanks! </p>

<p>Break down all of the projects into manageable chunks and then spread them out in a reasonable away in your schedule (get a calendar/planner or whatever works for you, but write it down). Figure out what you need to get done when, and then stick to your plan. Prioritize things that are due sooner rather than later. Sometimes, it’s easier to really focus on one project and get it done, and then move onto the next one. Sometimes, it’s easier to do bits and pieces gradually. It doesn’t really matter how you plan it out, as long as you stick to your plan. Try not to get overwhelmed, but you do need to be aware of exactly how much time you have (not just days, but how much free time you actually have) and how much you need to do (specifically). That might help motivate you to really work on it if you find that you don’t have much free time left to work on it.</p>

<p>And get off of any site that you don’t need for your projects. It’s okay to take breaks, but schedule them in and don’t go over your time limit. Bribe or punish yourself if you have to. Study time is study time, and do what you need to do to focus (go to the library, get friends to hold you accountable, set hard deadlines for yourself by asking people to look over drafts for you, etc).</p>